Changing how researchers think about MRI: Utilizing a simple to use, compact, MRI system to transform preclinical imaging

In this webinar Tonya Coulthard discussed features and benefits of the M-Series product line, focusing on the unique self-shielded compact design of the systems which allows them to be placed in any existing laboratory or animal facility right next to existing instrumentation or fixtures, without the need for added infrastructure, plumbing or cryogens. Ms. Coulthard highlighted the intuitive software interface, and optimized default sequences, which allow users to acquire high resolution anatomical, functional, and molecular images without any prior experience in MR imaging. Key research applications and example images were also reviewed.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard in soft tissue imaging, providing exquisite detail of anatomical structures including abdominal organs, the central nervous system, and a variety of tumors. Conventional high-field MRI systems are costly, required complex infrastructure and cryogens for operation, and are most often operated by someone having a strong background in MR physics.

This free webinar hosted by Scintica Instrumentation will introduce the M-seriesTM compact MRI systems from Aspect Imaging which remove these barriers for the preclinical researcher, allowing them access to an imaging modality once thought to be attainable to only a handful of specialized researchers. These systems are cost effective, both in purchase price and running and maintenance costs; they require no specialized infrastructure, plumbing for cooling water, or cryogens; and they have been designed to be simple to operate, requiring no previous background in MR physics.

The M-seriesTM systems are versatile and may be used on mice, rats and similarly sized animals. There are add-on hardware and software components providing added capabilities for simultaneous PET/MR imaging, optical and MR co-registered images, and automated ex-vivo imaging. With a variety of research applications, including anatomy, morphology, neurology, cancer biology, and cardiovascular imaging a number of research groups may be able to utilize the system within a core facility or institution, further adding to the value this system provides to the research community.

Topics discussed in this webinar included:

M-seriesTM features and benefits

Comparison to conventional high field MRI systems

Key research applications

Anatomy and Morphology

Neurology

Cancer Biology

Cardiovascular

Multi-modal imaging

Contrast imaging

Ex vivo imaging

Tonya Coulthard, MSc

Tonya Coulthard holds an MSc from the University of British Columbia in Experimental Medicine. Throughout her academic training she focused on a variety of diseases ranging from prion to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In her professional career she has worked with several imaging and medical device companies; in these roles she has interacted with researchers around the world covering a very diverse range of research applications. In her present role at Scintica Instrumentation Tonya leads the team of product managers and applications specialists in supporting our customers in understanding the products offered and how these instruments help to meet their research needs.